Best Hand Tool Brands
Customer Ratings of Top BRANDS in the 2025 America's Most Trusted Study
In the world of DIY projects and professional craftsmanship, hand tools hold a special place in the hearts and hands of consumers. From the reliable grip of a hammer to the precision of a measuring tape, the right tool can make all the difference in the success of a project. Specific features like ergonomic designs, durability, and multifunctionality often sway purchasing decisions. These attributes enhance the user experience and promise greater efficiency and safety. As consumers increasingly embrace home improvement tasks and skilled trades, the demand for high-quality hand tools continues to rise, emphasizing the critical role these products play in everyday tasks and long-term investments.
However, the mere presence of quality features isn’t enough to guarantee a sale. In a crowded marketplace, brand trust emerges as a crucial factor influencing consumer decision-making. Shoppers are often faced with many choices, and in such a competitive landscape, a brand’s reputation can sway their final decision. Consumers want assurance that the tools they invest in will deliver on their promises, whether longevity, performance, or safety. As a result, brand trust becomes synonymous with reliability, shaping not only purchasing behaviors but also long-term loyalty to specific manufacturers. For many, the brand is not just a label; it’s a commitment to quality and dependability that transcends the initial transaction.
To delve deeper into this phenomenon, we turn our attention to the America’s Most Trusted® study, an insightful analysis designed to uncover how consumers perceive hand tool brands. This research sheds light on the factors contributing to brand loyalty and the varying degrees of trust associated with different manufacturers. By examining the results of this study, we aim to understand which brands stand out in the minds of consumers and why.
The 2025 America’s Most Trusted Study
Launched over a decade ago, the America’s Most Trusted® study is a crucial tool for brands seeking insights into the complex relationship between trust and consumer purchasing behavior. Recognizing that consumer trust is foundational to business success, this comprehensive research initiative has established itself as the authoritative benchmark for assessing brand credibility. Each January, the study unveils its latest findings, reflecting how trust influences consumer choices across various industries, particularly hand tools.
Brand trust embodies consumers' confidence in a company's ability to fulfill its promises. For hand tool manufacturers, building and maintaining this trust is essential to securing initial sales and fostering enduring customer loyalty. When consumers believe in a brand’s integrity, they are more inclined to purchase and recommend these products to friends and family. This trust acts as a catalyst for repeat business, bolstering word-of-mouth endorsements and creating a positive brand image that can withstand the test of time.
Lifestory Research, the organization behind the America’s Most Trusted® study, conducts over 75 detailed product evaluations annually, engaging diverse participants to gather insights on their experiences and perceptions regarding various brands. The Net Trust Quotient Score (NTQS) is central to this effort, a metric designed to quantify consumer trust in specific brands within product categories. This rigorously validated scoring system allows researchers to discern how well a hand tool brand meets customer expectations compared to its competitors.
By focusing exclusively on consumers' genuine opinions—rather than third-party reviews or editorial biases—the study offers a transparent view of brand trust rooted in authentic feedback. As a result, shoppers can rely on these findings to make informed decisions when selecting hand tools, ensuring they invest in brands that resonate with their values and expectations.
What are the most trustworthy brands in America? What companies do people see as trustworthy? What are the top brands people trust the most?
2025 America’s Most Trusted Hand Tool Brand
The Lifestory Research 2025 America’s Most Trusted® Hand Tool Brand Study revealed that Craftsman ranks as the most trusted brand among consumers contemplating the purchase of a hand tool. Notably, Craftsman achieved the highest trust rating among popular hand tool brands, earning a Net Trust Quotient Score of 117.4.
This comprehensive ranking is based on feedback from 5,988 participants surveyed across the United States over the past year. The study identified Craftsman, DeWalt, Stanley, Milwaukee, Snap-On, Black+Decker, Klein, Kobalt, Channel Lock, Estwing, Husky, Lenox, and Irwin as the most trusted brands in the hand tool category.
The table below shows the hand tool rankings among the top tool brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.
TOP 13 Ranked Hand Tool Brands – 2025 Customer Ratings
| 1 | Craftsman | 117.4 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | Dewalt | 116.4 | ★★★★★ |
| 3 | Stanley | 113.2 | ☆☆☆☆ |
| 4 | Milwaukee | 109.0 | ☆☆☆ |
| 5 | Snap-On | 108.1 | ☆☆☆ |
| 6 | Black+Decker | 107.8 | ☆☆☆ |
| 7 | Klein | 105.5 | ☆☆ |
| 8 | Kobalt | 105.3 | ☆☆ |
| 9 | Channel Lock | 104.4 | ☆☆ |
| 10 | Estwing | 101.3 | ☆☆ |
| 11 | Husky | 100.7 | ☆☆ |
| 12 | Lenox | 97.5 | ☆☆ |
| 13 | Irwin | 94.9 | ☆☆ |
No promotional use or advertising can be made of America's Most Trusted® survey results without the express prior written consent of Lifestory Research. America's Most Trusted® is a registered trademark of Lifestory with all rights reserved. Study results are based on survey responses and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Your experiences may vary.
Looking for quality customer ratings of products to make informed and trusted purchasing decisions? Discover genuine customer reviews that focus on various products' quality, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our independent research offers detailed product ratings, insights into quality, performance, durability, and overall value for money based on customer trust ratings. Explore the latest customer reviews to ensure you're making a purchase based on trustworthy ratings and superior quality, so you can buy with confidence! See the results of 75 different product studies here.
Brands Ranked in Study
The Lifestory Research America’s Most Trusted® research study actively surveys hand tool shoppers throughout the year in the United States. The study is focused on measuring consumers' opinions of the most recognized hand tool brands in the market.
Here, we provide information on the brands in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study. The brands are presented in the order they ranked in the 2025 America’s Most Trusted® study.
Craftsman
Craftsman, a well-established hand tool brand under Stanley Black & Decker, has been a symbol of quality and reliability since its founding in 1927. Originally associated with Sears, Craftsman is known for a wide range of hand tools catering to DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Popular products include the Craftsman Drive Ratchet, the Craftsman 100-Piece Mechanics Tool Set, and a variety of durable wrenches and screwdrivers, all designed to meet the demands of various projects.
DeWalt
DeWalt, also part of Stanley Black & Decker, is recognized for its high-performance hand tools, which are known for their durability and efficiency. Founded in 1924 and headquartered in Towson, Maryland, DeWalt offers a selection of hand tools that professionals trust. Popular items include the DeWalt 16 oz. Fiberglass Hammer, the DeWalt Pull Saw, and various precision measuring tools like levels and tape measures.
Stanley
Stanley is a historic hand tool brand with a legacy dating back to 1843. Operating under Stanley Black & Decker and based in New Britain, Connecticut, Stanley is known for its innovative designs and reliable performance. Notable products include the Stanley FatMax Tape Measure, the Stanley Classic Tool Set, and various hand saws, which have become staples for professionals and DIYers alike.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee, a brand under Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI), has led hand tools since its founding in 1924. Headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Milwaukee is celebrated for its durable hand tools designed for demanding tasks. Popular products include the Milwaukee Locking Pliers, the Milwaukee Tape Measure, and various hand tools that excel in functionality and longevity.
Snap-On
Snap-On is renowned for its premium hand tools, known for their exceptional quality and precision. Established in 1920 and headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Snap-On offers a range of professional-grade tools. Signature products include the Snap-On Ratchet Wrench, the Snap-On Screwdriver Set, and various pliers, highly regarded in automotive and industrial settings for their performance and durability.
Black+Decker
Black+Decker, operating under Stanley Black & Decker, is well-known for its extensive range of hand tools. Founded in 1910 and based in Towson, Maryland, Black+Decker emphasizes accessibility and quality in its product offerings. Popular hand tools include the Black+Decker 6-Piece Screwdriver Set, the Black+Decker 16 oz. Claw Hammer, and a variety of tape measures, making it a favorite among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
Klein
Klein Tools has been a trusted name in hand tools since 1857, specializing in electrical and utility tools. Family-owned and headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Klein is known for its commitment to quality and safety. Popular products include the Klein Lineman’s Pliers, the Klein 11-in-1 Multi-Tool, and various screwdrivers, making it a go-to choice for electricians and tradespeople.
Kobalt
Kobalt, a hand tool brand owned by Lowe's Companies, Inc., was introduced in 1998 and is recognized for its combination of quality and affordability. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, Kobalt offers a variety of hand tools exclusively sold at Lowe's stores. Popular products include the Kobalt 227-Piece Mechanics Tool Set, the Kobalt 1/2-Inch Drive Ratchet, and an array of durable hand tools designed for DIY projects and professional use.
Channellock
Channellock, Inc. has been a staple in hand tools since its founding in 1886 and is headquartered in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Known for its high-quality pliers and hand tools, Channellock products are synonymous with durability and precision. Popular tools include the Channellock 440 Tongue and Groove Pliers, the Channellock 8-inch Adjustable Wrench, and various locking pliers, making it a favorite among tradespeople and hobbyists.
Estwing
Estwing is celebrated for its premium hand tools, particularly striking tools like hammers and axes. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, Estwing's products are known for their exceptional durability and quality. Popular items include the Estwing 16 oz. Claw Hammer, the Estwing E3-16S 16 oz. Professionals and outdoor enthusiasts favor straight Claw Hammer and various camping axes.
Husky
Husky, owned by Home Depot, offers a wide range of hand tools exclusively sold at Home Depot stores. Founded in 1978 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, Husky is known for providing quality tools at competitive prices. Popular hand tools include the Husky 1/4-Inch Drive Socket Set, the Husky 6-Piece Pliers Set, and various wrench sets, appealing to homeowners and professionals seeking reliable tools.
Lenox
Lenox is a brand specializing in cutting tools and saw blades, operating under Stanley Black & Decker since its founding in 1915. Headquartered in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Lenox is recognized for its innovation and high-quality hand tools. Popular products include the Lenox Bi-Metal Hacksaw Blades, the Lenox 12-inch Hand Saw, and various utility knives, making it a preferred choice for carpenters and tradespeople.
Irwin
Irwin Tools, part of Stanley Black & Decker, has been a name in hand tools since 1885. Headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, Irwin is known for its wide range of hand tools and accessories. Popular products include the Irwin Vise-Grip Locking Pliers, the Irwin 7-Piece Screwdriver Set, and various clamps, making it a go-to brand for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
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Foundational Principles
At Lifestory Research, we pride ourselves on being an independent research company committed to delivering unbiased and accurate insights into consumer behavior. Unlike many studies that lean on expert opinions or committees, our approach is rooted firmly in the voices of consumers themselves. This commitment ensures that our findings seek to reflect public sentiment.
By prioritizing consumer opinions, we effectively eliminate the biases that can come from personal agendas or industry affiliations. Our research methodology captures a wide array of perspectives, allowing our results to be representative of the broader population.
Core Principles of Quality Research
We uphold several foundational principles that define top-tier consumer research:
Reliability: We ensure our research consistently produces accurate results.
Validity: Our methods guarantee we measure what we intend to measure.
Objectivity: We take great care to avoid bias throughout the research process.
Generalizability: Our findings can be applied to the larger population.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Lifestory Research adheres to these principles through a series of rigorous practices:
Rigorous Sampling Methods: We carefully select representative samples to generalize our findings to the broader population.
Standardized Survey Instruments: These ensure consistency and reliability in data collection.
Quality Control Measures: Our team meticulously reviews and analyzes data to identify and rectify inconsistencies.
Ethical Standards: We prioritize the well-being of our participants and uphold their privacy throughout the research process.
When you explore our findings, you can trust that they are grounded in the authentic opinions of real people. This dedication to integrity makes our research a valuable resource for businesses and consumers.
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What Is the America’s Most Trusted® Study?
The America’s Most Trusted® study focuses on evaluating brands that offer products or services to consumers in their homes, particularly in the residential new home industry. Instead of attempting to survey every brand, the study specifically targets the largest and most impactful brands in this sector.
How Does the Survey Work?
Conducted throughout the year, the America’s Most Trusted® survey aims to gather consumer opinions while minimizing biases that might arise from external events or trends. This year-long approach helps capture a more accurate snapshot of consumer sentiments.
Participants are surveyed based on specific criteria, such as whether they are actively considering a purchase in a relevant category—like buying a home, faucet, HVAC. Only those who express familiarity with a brand are invited to share their opinions on its trustworthiness, ensuring that the study reflects genuine consumer insights.
The Importance of Brand Awareness
An essential component of the study is brand awareness. Participants are first asked to identify brands they recognize. Only those who are familiar with a brand proceed to answer questions about it. This criterion ensures that only brands with sufficient public recognition are included in the final trust rankings.
Sampling Methodology
The study employs a non-probability sampling design, relying on online panels to recruit participants. Online panels are organizations that have an established relationship with consumers who agree to complete opinion surveys. Lifestory randomly ask consumers questions that identify consumers shopping for a specific product. Qualified consumers complete an online survey in which they are asked a set of questions about specific product brands.
The number of people completing a survey is referred to as the sample size. Each of the America’s Most Trusted studies seek to obtain a sample size that is large enough to be representative. The sample size is also designed to collect a large number of consumer opinions to minimize error and to assure the study results reflect the majority of consumers sentiment about a brand.
Calculating Trust Scores
At the heart of the America’s Most Trusted® study is the Net Trust Quotient Score. Participants evaluate brands based on their trustworthiness through a series of targeted questions. The responses are then categorized into three groups:
Advocates: Consumers who express strong trust in the brand.
Neutrals: Those who trust the brand but do not consider it superior to others.
Antagonists: Consumers with little to no trust in the brand.
These evaluations are quantified using a statistical method called a z-score, which standardizes the responses, allowing for easy comparison across brands. The results are ultimately transformed into T scores, which are more intuitive for understanding how each brand ranks relative to the mean score of all brands surveyed.
Additional information about the study can be found on the survey methodology page of this website.
Additional insights and questions about the America’s Most Trusted® study can be found in the frequently asked questions section of this website.
When evaluating a hand tool brand, consumers consider their judgements based on many different criteria including their function and purpose. Here are just some of the categories of hand tools consumers consider when expressing their opinion of hand tool brands:
1. Cutting Tools
These are tools used to cut materials like wood, metal, plastic, or fabric.
Knives (utility knives, craft knives)
Saws (hand saws, hacksaws, coping saws)
Scissors (shears, fabric scissors)
Cutting pliers (wire cutters, side cutters)
2. Driving Tools
These tools are used to insert, remove, or tighten fasteners (like screws, nails, and bolts).
Hammers (claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, sledgehammers)
Screwdrivers (flathead, Phillips, torque screwdrivers)
Pry bars (crowbars, wrecking bars, crow foot)
Pneumatic tools (like hand-powered air hammers, though not power tools)
3. Measuring and Layout Tools
These tools are used to measure, mark, and align materials accurately.
Tape measures (steel tape, cloth tape)
Rulers (steel, wooden, or folding)
Calipers (Vernier calipers, micrometers)
Squares (carpenter’s square, framing square, speed square)
Levels (spirit level, laser level)
Protractors (angle measuring tools)
Compasses (for drawing circles)
4. Fastening Tools
Used for joining materials or securing parts together.
Pliers (needle-nose, locking pliers, combination pliers)
Wrenches (adjustable wrenches, socket wrenches, pipe wrenches, torque wrenches)
Clamps (C-clamps, bar clamps, spring clamps)
Staplers (manual staplers for wood, upholstery)
Riveters (manual rivet guns)
5. Striking Tools
These tools are specifically used to strike, pound, or shape objects.
Mallets (rubber, wood, plastic)
Mauls (for splitting wood)
Punches (center punches, pin punches)
Chisels (wood chisels, cold chisels)
6. Cutting and Shaping Tools
Tools used for shaping, trimming, and smoothing materials.
Files (flat files, round files, half-round files)
Rasps (wood rasps)
Scrapers (manual wood or metal scrapers)
Planes (hand planes, block planes)
Surform tools (used to shave down wood)
7. Gardening and Landscaping Tools
These tools are used for working with plants, soil, and landscaping tasks.
Shovels (spade, digging shovel)
Rakes (leaf rakes, garden rakes)
Hoes (garden hoe, scuffle hoe)
Pruners (bypass pruners, anvil pruners)
Trowels (garden trowels)
8. Painting and Finishing Tools
Used for painting, applying finishes, or detailing surfaces.
Brushes (paintbrushes, detail brushes)
Rollers (paint rollers)
Scrapers (for removing old paint)
Putty knives (for smoothing and applying filler)
Caulking guns (for sealing gaps)
9. Textile and Leather Tools
Tools specifically designed for working with fabric, leather, or other soft materials.
Needles (sewing needles, upholstery needles)
Awls (leatherwork, for making holes)
Thimbles (protective for fingers during sewing)
Rotary cutters (for cutting fabric or leather)
10. Workshop and Carpentry Tools
Tools used specifically for woodworking and metalworking.
Planes (block planes, smoothing planes)
Coping saws (for intricate cuts in wood)
Drift pins (to align holes)
Spokeshaves (for shaping wood)
Vices (bench vices, pipe vices)
11. Safety and Protective Equipment
While not strictly "tools" in the traditional sense, these items are essential to ensure safety during tool use.
Gloves (work gloves, leather gloves)
Safety glasses (protective eyewear)
Ear protection (earplugs, earmuffs)
Face shields (for heavy-duty work)
12. Miscellaneous Tools
Various tools that don't fit into the categories above but are important for specific tasks.
Tweezers (for precision handling)
Picks (for retrieving small items)
Magnifying glasses (for fine detail work)
Thermometers (for temperature measurement in specific contexts)
Each category of hand tools is designed to provide a manual, mechanical way to complete a range of tasks without relying on electricity or other power sources. These tools are typically more affordable, portable, and versatile compared to power tools.